St. Mary's of Michigan has a slew of physicians earns recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan recently.
The hospital system had 16 primary care physicians earn designation as patient-centered medical home practices for 2011-2012.
This means they are among a select group of primary care physicians in Michigan who are improving health care quality by adopting the PCMH model of care.
Arup Sarkar, Satya Patel, Thomas Burkey, Mohammed Khan and Rama Mulpuri have all received PCMH distinction for the first time, while Raghuram Sarvepalli, Bhramaramba Sarvepalli, Brent Boggess, Pradip Bhattacharyya, Ann Connaghan, Patrick Botz, Janet Bach, Carmen Szilagyi, Kala Ramasamy, Lekha Richardson, and Ibtihaj Rajoulh have all received designation for a second consecutive year.
"We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to patient care, helping them meet their health goals and keeping track of all their specialist visits, test results and prescriptions," says Dr. Raghuram Sarvepalli, vice president of medical affairs at St. Mary's. "With the PCMH model, primary care physicians, such as pediatricians, internists and family practice doctors, lead care teams who bring intensive focus to their patients' individual health goals and needs. The teams work with patients to keep them healthy and monitor their care on an ongoing basis."
The Blue Cross Blue Shield network has designated nearly 2,500 physicians-representing roughly 770 primary care practices--as PCMH practices. The program is the largest of its kind in the country and has the potential to affect millions of Michigan residents.
St. Mary's of Michigan PCMH practices are located in Bay City, Birch Run, Frankenmuth and Vassar.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Dr. Raghuram Savepalli, St. Mary's
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